Making a Personal Manifesto

Personal Manifestos are a tool that can help you to envision what you want to do in life, they can help you put into words what you want to achieve in life. Manifestation is a big topic these days as the world is changing and we seem to be ushering in a new era. Let’s face it, with the recent pandemic the world is changing and a lot of people all over the world feel the same – that they are stuck and are waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel to be able to move on with their lives. The truth is that we can start to move on now, even with restrictions in place you can begin to plan for your future and laying the groundwork for what you want to do in the future. This can not only help you plan for your future, but a manifesto can instill hope and motivation in your endeavors.

How to create a Manifesto

When creating a personal manifesto start with a clear mind. Write down everything that you want to do, no matter how big or insignificant it may seem, or whether you are sure that you want to pursue the task. Chances are if you are thinking about an activity, there is some sort of interest in it. When you are doing this brainstorming also write down your values, and behaviors that you feel might be helpful in your plan.

Next, arrange your ideas into categories. For example, make a category for values, one for personal qualities, and one for your goals or endeavors you want to pursue. Eliminate or create a pause list for ideas that you feel you could do at a later date. Once you have completed this task make a timeline for your goals, this does not have to be precise, just a rough outline of when you would ideally like to accomplish these tasks.

Once you have completed your brainstorm and made your outline, begin to put it all together. Start by writing out a paragraph as your introduction about your values and attributes, followed by a mission statement of what you want to do in life. Talk to yourself realistically when you are writing. Be vulnerable and honest. This is what you are saying to yourself about your personal views and wants. Follow this up by writing out your ultimate goals followed by a few bullet points of how you will accomplish your goals and why you want to accomplish them. If you can understand why you want to achieve these goals, then you will be able to connect with your ideas more and will be able to act upon them easier. If you simply write out a goal without knowing why you will not be as connected to the outcome.

Tip: When writing your sentences, write them in action sentences, for example, “I will start a blog”, rather than “Start a blog”.

Follow up with your manifesto every few days or when you feel like you need motivation. This helps to keep it fresh in your mind.  Also, you can determine your goals and mission faster if you keep your manifesto close by!